Memorial held for Eric Yates

By Michael Quirk The Gazette

Friday, September 27, 2013

The gathering at a memorial service for Eric Yates on Sept. 14. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEATHER YATES

A memorial was held on Sept.14 for Eric Yates, who passed away last October from carbon-monoxide poisoning.Yates was an offensive lineman for the Goose Creek football team and was voted “Biggest Flirt” by his peers. His sister, Heather Ridgway described Eric as a loving, caring man who loved to help people.“He got along with everybody and he was always helping those who are mentally challenged,” she said. “Some people tend to bully mentally handicapped individuals but Eric always had their back.” Friends and family gathered in the GCHS parking lot to celebrate Yates’ Sept.16 birthday. A candlelit vigil was held at 8:15 p.m. with Yates’ brother-in-law Greg Ridgway reading Psalms 23 to the group of over 50.A table featuring Yates’ urn was adorned with photos, candles and cakes shaped to look like his favorite snack, Swiss Cake Rolls.At 10:30 the crowd released balloons in honor of Yates. The majority were black and gold, Goose Creek’s colors, but some children picked out some Happy Birthday balloons to be released as well.Attendees shared stories about Yates. His mother Bobbie Moyer said that she is looking forward to the day when she is reunited with her son in heaven.In addition to his sister and mother, Yates left behind another sister Shannon, his father Richard, and a 7-year-old daughter Catherine.

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